The Fightin' Phils: Oddities, Insights, and Untold Stories [Paperback]

Rich Westcott (Author), Foreword by Harry Kalas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2008

No doubt, loyal Phillies fans take pride in their knowledge of home team lore. They can probably name the Phils only pitcher to throw a perfect game; tick off who was their last Rookie of the Year; and, of course, narrate how they won the 1950 pennant. But, then, so can most people who follow the game. It s knowing all the other stories, many previously untold, that will set the true Phillies fanatic apart. Who would have guessed, for example, that, in 1946, a female scout was working full time for the Phillies a first in baseball. Now 95, she gives a fascinating interview about breaking that barrier. Other interviews with such players as Steve Carlton, Jimmy Rollins, Robin Roberts, and Mike Schmidt provide new details about their streaks and feats. Falling under the category of The Ones That Got Away are accounts of how the front office missed signing Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, and Carl Yastrzemski which will make for some essential, if painful, reading. Stories of the Phils pitcher who later joined the CIA, the left handed catcher, and the game that lasted only 51 minutes offer but a taste of the book s richly entertaining and surprising oddities. So pick up The Fightin Phils, and get reacquainted with the team you thought you knew.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A female scout? A member of the CIA? A famous evangelist? Just when you thought you knew everything there was to possibly know about the Phillies, Rich Westcott comes along with more fascinating tales that take a reader behind the scenes of one of baseball s most rollicking franchises. --Paul Hagen, national baseball writer, Philadelphia Daily News

This is a great book about Phillies history. Reading this book gave me an insight into many stories that I hadn't read or heard, and it brought back memories of some great moments. --Robin Roberts, Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher

About the Author

Rich Westcott is considered the foremost authority on Phillies history. He has been a writer and editor for more than 40 years and is the author of 19 sports books, including Mickey Vernon: The Gentleman First Baseman.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Camino Books, Inc.; 1st edition (July 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933822139
• ISBN-13: 978-1933822136
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,638,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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